Tennis Night in America to Feature Legends

The third annual Tennis Night in America (TNIA) has been set for Feb. 28. TNIA is a joint promotional effort between the U.S. Tennis Association and Star Games Inc. to grow youth participation in the sport of tennis. This annual celebration includes youth registration tennis events at facilities around the U.S. and culminates with the BNP Paribas Showdown at Madison Square Garden. Pete Sampras has been named the 2011 TNIA Spokesman.

Last year, more than 700 tennis facilities participated in Tennis Night in America. Sampras hopes that number climbs to over 1,000 in 2011. “Tennis Night in America is a great platform to raise awareness of our sport, and now with the help of one of tennis’ greatest stars, we can raise the level even higher,” said Kurt Kamperman, chief executive, Community Tennis, USTA. “We believe Tennis Night can be a platform to kick off the tennis season in hundreds of markets throughout the United States.” For more information on how to get involved with Tennis Night in America visit www.tennisnight.com.

The BNP Paribas Showdown, the premier event for Tennis Night In America, will feature two of the greatest rivalries in tennis when tennis legends Sampras, Andre Agassi, John McEnroe and Ivan Lendl take to the court at Madison Square Garden. The BNP Paribas Showdown is produced by StarGames and MSG Sports. Tickets are now on sale and can be purchased at the Madison Square Garden box office and all Ticketmaster outlets.

For more information and an opportunity to sign up for pre-sale alerts prior to tickets going on sale, visit tennisshowdown.com.

“When Roger Federer and I played at The Garden a few years ago, it was an electric night,” said Sampras. “I expect that it will be that way again when Andre and I play. It should be a lot of fun.”

“To have the opportunity to play Pete at Madison Square Garden is thrilling,” said Agassi. “Playing in front of the New York fans has always been exciting and I’m sure Pete and I will give them something to cheer about.”

Ivan Lendl added: “I am really looking forward to playing in The Garden again. I have so many great memories from matches with John there. It should be a great night for tennis.”

“I have been going to Madison Square Garden since I was 8, and I have played some of my best tennis there,” added McEnroe. “I am very happy to have the chance to play Ivan Lendl again in The World’s Most Famous Arena.”